The SneakerStyle, much more like running shoes, thicker soles, laces, designs akin to your typical New Balance or Asics.

BACKGROUND ON ME AND MY TABI EXPERIENCES/RIKIO VS SUOKAIDO:

My first pair of Jikatabi were passed down to me from my Dad (yes seriously he used to wear them for rock climbing and hiking in his teens) I wore them sparingly and not in public. They were from Suokaido and are probably the most common tabi in the US, velcro fastened with a very thin sole, the rubber wasnt flexible and they didnt fit very well in the calf. Eventually I wanted another pair, something with more padding and a more adjustable fit. I bought a pair of Rikio Fighter Tabi and found them to be much more comfortable and well fitted in the leg, the sole was still quite thin so I bought a pair of insoles and cut a split in them to match the tabi design. After a year of solid everyday wear my custom insoles had to be replaced twice, the tread was holding up just fine and so was the stitching but I decided I wanted another pair. The summer rolled around and I bought a pair of Rikio Air Fit Short, these have a padded insole built for shock absorption and comfort. The padding is glued to the sole from the inside and it gives the entire shoe a more rigid fit that forms to your foot and gives you arch support, the rubber sole is soft but strong, it holds up against asphalt but will still bend with your foot instead of restricting it. The most comfortable shoe I've ever worn, I've had two pair in the last 3 years, the first being the initial pair I bought which lasted me 2 years with constant everyday wear, the other is still in near perfect condition after a year of 80% daily wear.

CLOSING/SHUT UP ALREADY:

Theres many different Tabi to choose from in various colors and styles, I hope this long post will help you narrow down a pair that suit you. Feel free to DM me with any questions or post them here, I'd be happy to help.

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

So I was in Maha yesterday chatting to the always helpful staff and those Maha Tabi's are definitely dropping as part of SS18 in black and a limited edition olive. Here's some pics of the ones used in the runway show (that were hand painted!). I bought the triple pack of Tabi socks in preparation anyway (and to wear with my air rifts!).

Cool stuff Dolphinski, the olive looks rad. In case you or anyone else wants a pair before the Maha SS18 drop, Marugo has had them out for a while sans olive cw. Heres the shorter version in black, white, and navy, and then the taller version in black or white.

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

in other barefoot news I tried the fivefingers yesterday (JUST FOR GYM) and they did not fit my mutant feet so it was kind of a relief for my girlfriend cause she can't stand them. So my chances of getting laid are not that harmed yet (but haven't told her about the tabis yet:D)

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

in other news I got my tabis from japanstore but so far I did not have much time to wear them (my doggo scratched my finger right where tabi goes). First impressions are not that good: the heel is kinda low and not supportive and the sock pack I bought is pretty thick and it does not feel very secure, I guess I need another pair for my mutant feet.

Day to day I only wear barefoot style footwear with no support, no heel->toe drop, and lots of flexibility. I personally prefer this style far beyond typical footwear. however it took about a year to make the switch fully.

For those interested in barefoot style footwear like Tabis and Huarches and such... my personal favorite shoe which I wear and run in everyday are the SoleRunner FX Trainers.